Activated Carbon?

Question

How much activated carbon should I have for a 30g tank, how often should I replace it?

Answer 1

In my aquarium maintenance business, with very few exceptions, I replace it monthly.

Answer 2

Do you have real driftwood in the tank? This is the common cause of yellow water as it leaches out brown tannins that stain the water, like weak tea. Activated carbon can help if that's the case, by absorbing those tannins. You need to replace the carbon regularly as it "fills up", every month or 2. More water changes also help, the 25% you are doing is fine, (water is testing good) but if you did those changes twice a week, you remove twice the staining, and it wont hurt the tank system in any other way. Anyway, adding some carbon wont cause any problems, so feel free to stick some in the filter and see what happens. Worst thing that can happen? Nothing. Ian

Answer 3

Most people don't even need carbon - it's really only necessary for problematic water, and usually it's a waste of money. I haven't used it in many years and I know plenty of people who do the same. Carbon removes elements from the water, but the problem is it can't distinguish bad elements from good, and so remove both - sometimes it can do more harm then good.

How much depends on the problem, but typically a handful or two is enough. If you are trying to clear out medication or color you'll probably want to use more to get the job done quicker.

Carbon actually only remains effective for about two to three weeks before needing replacement, but monthly changes are fine. Don't worry - the idea of it leeching toxins back into the tank is a theory with no real merit and going beyond the effective date won't do the tank any harm.

Answer 4

Activated carbon should be changed every 30 days. After this time period the charcoal will begin to release Phosphates back into the tank. These Organo-phosphates are the most important substance that carbon removes from the water. As far as quantity, use about a cup to a cup and a half in a filter bag. a larger quantity might last a little longer, but just get into a habit of monthly changes and this will be enough. Just be sure to buy high quality activated carbon,the cheaper material is not highly activated and will not work as well,if at all.

Answer 5

I'd have to say that the answer would depend on what the purpose is for its use. If you have driftwood in the tank and are trying to remove color from leached tannins, 1/4 to 1/2 cup should be fine, and it should be replaced when it's no longer removing the color. If you're using it for removal of specific chemicals (including medications) in your tank or tapwater, change it monthly. If you don't have a specific purpose for using it, it's not absolutely necessary to use it at all.

Answer 6

What for your using activated carbon.If it is for filtration,then you have to tell the condition of the liquid.The turbidity is more important for deciding the quantity.Regarding activated carbon,you can contact Ms.Ion Exchange India Ltd for better answer.

Answer 7

About 1/4 cup is plenty with most filters. I would rinse it ounce weekly and change it completely every month.

Answer 8

Actually you can just use 1g for 30g.
And for the first time, you can replace it when it allready smell.
Then you can predict it for the second, so you can replace it before the smell occure.